What can it do?

Welcome to the beta Arthritis Virtual Assistant. At the moment it can give you general information about your condition and medication, and provide you with useful exercises to help manage your arthritis.

Why do we need your help?

The Arthritis Virtual Assistant has been built to learn and improve with every use. That way, whenever you use it, you’re indirectly helping another person get the answers that they need for their arthritis.

What can you ask?

You'll get the best response if your question relates to a single type of arthritis, and is expressed as clearly and simply as possible. For example, "What are the best exercises for osteoarthritis?" or "What are the side effects of methotrexate?"

Are you sure you want to close your conversation?

Your conversation will not be visible the next time you visit the Arthritis Virtual Assistant. If you want to keep a copy of the advice you've been given, you can print it using the button at the top of the chat window.

Arthritis Virtual Assistant

The Arthritis Virtual Assistant is being developed into a brand new type of tool which will help you to get the answers you need for your type of arthritis.

This automated chat service is designed to provide general information about your condition and ways you can manage it. It’s been developed from over 80 years of our research work and also learns from the experiences of its users. It’s a ‘beta’ version which means it’s still learning from you, and others. It uses artificial intelligence to decide which are the best responses to give you and it will improve each time it’s used. The better the information we can provide then the more people we can help to manage their condition too.

The advice in this service isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice so we’d always recommend speaking to your doctor about your treatment. When you use the Arthritis Virtual Assistant, you’ll be asked for your first name and the type of arthritis you have, there’s no need to tell us anything more personal than that.

What is cyclophosphamide and why is it prescribed?

Cyclophosphamide is used to suppress an overactive immune system in conditions including lupus, myositis and vasculitis. Read more

How do I take cyclophosphamide and how long does it take to work?

Cyclophosphamide can be given as tablets or through a drip into a vein. It may take six weeks or more before you feel the benefits. Read more

What are the possible risks and side-effects of cyclophosphamide?

A common side-effect of cyclophosphamide is feeling sick. It may also cause bladder problems and make you more likely to pick up infections, so you'll need to have regular tests to monitor its effects. Read more

Can cyclophosphamide affect other medicines and treatments?

You may be prescribed other drugs alongside cyclophosphamide, but you should check with your doctor before starting any new medications. Live vaccines aren't usually recommended if you're on cyclophosphamide. Read more

Can I drink alcohol while I'm on cyclophosphamide?

There's no particular reason to avoid alcohol while on cyclophosphamide. Read more

Can cyclophosphamide affect fertility, pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Cyclophosphamide shouldn't be used if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. It may also reduce fertility in both men and women. Discuss this with your doctor if you're thinking of having a baby. Read more

For more information, go to www.arthritisresearchuk.org.Arthritis Research UK fund research into the cause, treatment and cure of arthritis. You can support Arthritis Research UK by volunteering, donating or visiting our shops.